Hello and welcome to live coverage from day four at Old Trafford.

England are chasing a ruthless finish to this first Test after Jamie Smith’s maiden hundred yesterday set up a winning position.

At 24, Smith became the youngest English wicketkeeper to post a Test ton, taking Les Ames’ 94-year-old record, as he converted his overnight 72 into a highly accomplished 111.

His century, in just his fifth innings, carried the hosts to 358 all out in the morning session as they moved into a 122-run lead.

By stumps last night the tourists had scrapped to 204 for six, with Angelo Mathews (65) and Kamindu Mendis (56 not out) showing fight after another torrid start saw them lose their first two wickets with just one run on the board.

The Sri Lankans will now resume this morning 82 runs ahead but with just four wickets remaining.

At the close of play yesterday, Smith thanked Ian Bell for his helping him become a Test centurion, even though the former England batsman is currently behind enemy lines with Sri Lanka.

Bell, a five-time Ashes winner during his playing days, is currently working with Cricket Sri Lanka as a batting consultant but was more than happy to assist Smith during their time together in the Hundred over the past month. The pair also worked together with England Lions during Smith’s ascent through the pathway.

“Belly has been a great help for me both in the Lions and with Birmingham Phoenix for the last couple of years. The knowledge that he passed on and his willingness to throw balls at me before games when I had an eye on the Test series is something I’m really grateful for,” he said.

“It’s great when people are willing to be in your corner, I guess, and help you out even though they’re in the opposition side. So I was grateful for his help.

“It felt really good to come away with that milestone today. I felt very relaxed. I felt comfortable to go out there and just play.”